Sadly, Professor Hassassian’s piece (Opinion, 13 April) has nothing to say about the Palestinian leadership’s propagation of anti-Jewish hate speech, support for terrorism and continued rejection of peace talks. Nowhere in the text does Hassassian express any desire for peace and reconciliation. This invites the crucial question: what is the Palestinian leadership communicating to Israel? His refusal to come to terms with the Balfour declaration’s “national home for the Jewish people” is precisely the sort of intransigence that prevents a solution to the conflict.Mark RegevAmbassador, Embassy of Israel

• I wholeheartedlyagree with Manuel Hassassian that Britain must stop rubbing salt in the wounds of Palestinians, whose human rights are being violated while the British government claims to be standing up for rights around the world. Britain has done little to repair the damage caused during British rule in Palestine, and celebrating the Balfour declaration of 1917 highlights Britain’s unwillingness to undo the wrongs of the past century. Recognition of Palestine will not immediately end the Israeli occupation. But such recognition would be an important symbol of support for the Palestinian cause, warning Israel that its repressive and illegal policies will not be tolerated. This is the least Palestine deserves, given the decades of suffering.Lauren JonesNewcastle-upon-Tyne